Use Your Words for #BellLetsTalk Day

#BellLetsTalkDay

This #BellLetsTalkDay is a great day for you to just listen a little more intently to the phrases and comments we make that have just become part of our language and lexicon.

Phrases and Words

I’m referring to those phrases and words that perhaps perpetuate the stigma or context of mental wellness, or those facing personal challenges.

I’m raising this in a light-hearted context, but concerning a serious matter. The matter is our concern and promotion of all things mental wellness, mental health, mental illness, mental stability, stable mindedness. The list goes on.

I am referring to some of those phrases that you might give a second thought to, as you reference them today and from this day forward.

Let’s be more sensitive and more present to those words and situations that may actually be more “sensitive” than what meets the eye. What appears on the surface, is not always representative of what is below the surface or on a person’s mind.

Someone may actually need your help, assistance or empathy if they are facing or dealing with a mental health matter.

Here’s a short list that comes to mind. You might have others to add.

“That’s just crazy”

“Are you out of your mind”

“Are you nuts”

“Are your meds working”

“Are you off your meds…”

“Who do you think you are…”

“Wow a little schitzo”

“That’s a downer”

“There’s a dark cloud hanging over them”

“You look panicked”

“She / He is a maniac”

“Just the ups and downs of life”

“That is just psycho”

“They are disturbed”

“Why so negative”

“wow, they’re in a bad mood”

“A few screws loose over there…”

“That’s just insane”

“They are a little skiddish”

“They are a little odd”

“That seems a little loony to me”

Did you catch yourself from the past making a comment, or thinking one of these phrases, or another?

Thanks for helping make a difference today and every day in promoting mental wellness.

Conclusion

I often refer to a statement I saw at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver – “If we take the I from Illness and make it a WE for wellness we move from Mental Illness to Mental Wellness”. Let’s not leave anyone alone.